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What's SSL & HTTPS And Why They're Non-Negotiable for a Successful Website
If you've ever noticed that some website URLs start with http:// while others use https://, you might have wondered—what's the difference? And why does it matter for your website? The answer comes down to SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificates, which encrypt data and keep your website secure. But don’t worry—you don’t need to be a tech genius to understand this.
In this post, we’re breaking down HTTPS vs. HTTP, why SSL matters, and answering common questions about securing your website. By the end, you’ll know exactly why HTTPS is essential for trust, security, and even SEO rankings. Plus, if you're using Wix, you’ll be happy to hear that SSL certificates are built-in and free. Let’s dive in!
What is HTTPS & SSL?
HTTPS stands for HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure—it’s the secure version of HTTP. The difference? HTTPS encrypts the data exchanged between your site and its visitors, keeping sensitive information protected from hackers, phishing scams, and cyber threats.
SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is the technology behind HTTPS. It encrypts user data, ensuring that things like login credentials, credit card numbers, and contact forms stay private and secure.
In short: HTTPS + SSL = a safer website and a more trustworthy experience for visitors.
Why HTTPS Matters for Your Website
1. Security & Data Protection
Think of HTTPS as a protective shield for your website. Without it, any data entered on your site—like login details, contact forms, or payment information—could be intercepted by hackers. An SSL certificate encrypts this data, keeping it safe from cyber threats.
2. SEO Benefits & Higher Rankings
Google has confirmed that HTTPS is a ranking factor—meaning, secure sites are more likely to rank higher in search results. If your site isn’t HTTPS-secured, you’re losing SEO points and potentially missing out on organic traffic.
3. Trust & Credibility
A “Not Secure” warning on your site? 🚨 That’s a huge red flag for visitors. In fact, 85% of online shoppers say they won’t buy from a site if it’s not secure. HTTPS reassures visitors that your website is legit, professional, and safe to browse.
4. Faster Website Speed
Believe it or not, HTTPS can actually make your site load faster. Modern web browsers prioritize secure websites, and speed is another factor Google considers when ranking your site.
5. Protection from Phishing & Cyber Attacks
Cybercriminals often use fake “lookalike” websites to steal user data. With HTTPS, your visitors will see the padlock icon in their browser, confirming that your site is the real deal and not a phishing scam.
How to Tell If Your Site Has SSL (And How to Get It)
✔️ Open your website in any browser and look at the address bar. If your site URL starts with https:// and has a padlock icon, your SSL certificate is active.
✔️ You can also check in your Wix dashboard under Settings > Advanced > SSL Certificate to confirm that it’s turned on.
❌ If your site shows http:// instead of https:// or displays a “Not Secure” warning, then SSL isn’t enabled, and you’ll need to fix it ASAP.
FAQs About HTTPS & SSL
What happens if I visit a site that is not using HTTPS?
If you visit a website without HTTPS, your browser may display a “Not Secure” warning— especially if the site asks for personal information like passwords, credit card details, or contact forms. This means any data you enter could be intercepted by hackers since it’s not encrypted.
If a site doesn’t have HTTPS, it’s best to avoid entering sensitive information, especially on public Wi-Fi networks where security risks are higher.
What can I do if I’m having issues with my HTTPS?
If your HTTPS isn’t working properly on your Wix site (or any site), here’s what you can try:
1️⃣ Check if SSL is enabled – In your Wix dashboard, go to Settings > Advanced > SSL Certificate and make sure it’s turned on.
2️⃣ Clear your browser cache – Sometimes browsers store old security settings. Refreshing can help.
3️⃣ Try a different browser – If your SSL is active but your site still shows as Not Secure, test it in another browser like Chrome or Firefox.
4️⃣ Check your domain connection – If your domain isn’t properly connected, HTTPS might not work. Wix automatically assigns SSL certificates to connected domains.
5️⃣ Reach out to Wix Support – If you’ve checked everything and are still having issues, Wix’s support team can help troubleshoot.
Does Wix provide SSL certificates for free?
Yes! Every Wix website comes with a free SSL certificate—no need to purchase or renew one manually. As soon as your domain is connected, Wix automatically secures it with HTTPS.
Do my subdomains have SSL certificates?
Yes! If you’re using Wix subdomains (like yoursite.wixsite.com), they are automatically secured with an SSL certificate.
If you have custom subdomains (like shop.yourdomain.com), they should also be protected by Wix’s SSL as long as they’re properly connected.
Is it possible to manually disable an SSL certificate for a Wix site?
Nope! Wix automatically enables SSL on all sites, and there’s no option to disable it. And honestly, you wouldn’t want to—disabling SSL would make your site less secure, cause browsers to warn visitors about security risks, and even hurt your Google rankings.
Can I use the SSL from my Wix site for my business email?
No, Wix’s SSL certificate only applies to your website—not your business email.
If you use a custom email (like hello@yourbusiness.com), your email provider (Google Workspace, Outlook, Zoho Mail, etc.) handles security separately. If you need SSL for email encryption, check with your email hosting provider.
What browsers are supported for viewing & editing Wix sites?
Wix supports all major modern browsers, including:
✔️ Google Chrome (recommended for the best experience)
✔️ Mozilla Firefox
✔️ Microsoft Edge
✔️ Safari
For the best experience editing your Wix site, always use the latest version of Chrome or Firefox. Internet Explorer is not supported, so if you’re still using it (please upgrade— it's 2025).
Final Thoughts
HTTPS and SSL aren’t just about technical security— they’re about trust, credibility, and SEO. The good news? If you’re on Wix, SSL is already taken care of for you—so you don’t have to stress about purchasing or renewing certificates.
If your website isn’t secured yet, fix that today— because in 2025, an unsecured site isn’t just risky… it’s a dealbreaker.
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